Tinubu Opts for Historic Change: Grace Morenike Henry Appointed First Female to Lead Nigerian Legion
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s veteran affairs, appointing Ms. Grace Morenike Henry as the new Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion. This landmark decision, effective June 7, 2025, positions Ms. Henry as the first female and the first non-commissioned officer to ever lead Nigeria’s premier veterans’ organization.
The appointment, formally communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, signals a clear strategic direction from the Federal Government towards greater gender equality and inclusiveness within the nation’s armed forces community.
Ms. Henry, born on October 5, 1964, brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served over 25 distinguished years in the Nigerian Army before her retirement in 2000. Her extensive background includes serving as the Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion Headquarters in Abuja and her current role as the National Coordinator of Female Military Veterans of Nigeria. She takes over the leadership from Maj. Gen. AbdulMalik Jibrin (rtd).
President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Ms. Henry’s capabilities, urging her to leverage her profound experience to reposition and revitalize the Nigerian Legion. The organization, a statutory body established to cater to the welfare and interests of ex-servicemen and their dependents, plays a crucial role in providing support for rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of military veterans. It also fosters patriotism through remembrance activities like the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and engages in advocacy for retired service personnel. Her emergence is widely seen as ushering in a renewed era of reform for the institution, aligning with growing calls for enhanced veteran welfare and institutional reinvigoration.
Dispelling Divisive Reports: A Call for Unity
Meanwhile, the National Council of the Nigerian Legion has swiftly addressed and condemned a recent misleading report that falsely listed Ms. Grace Morenike Henry and three others as the “most powerful non-commissioned military veterans” in Nigeria. The Legion unequivocally described the publication as divisive and mischievous, designed to create factions within the unified veterans’ community.
Ms. Grace Morenike Henry herself has strongly dissociated from the controversial publication, reaffirming her commitment to unity within the Legion. “Leadership is not about grandstanding or media manipulation,” Ms. Henry stated emphatically. “Under my stewardship, there is no concept of anyone being ‘most powerful.’ We are a unified body representing the interests and welfare of all Nigerian military veterans, commissioned and non-commissioned alike.”
She strongly condemned any attempts to fabricate artificial hierarchies or caucuses within the well-established veterans’ structure, underlining that the Nigerian Legion stands as an institution built on unity, integrity, and dedicated service, not on self-promotion or political maneuvering.
Ms. Henry urged the public, stakeholders, and the broader veterans’ community to disregard the article, highlighting its lack of attribution, verifiable sources, and journalistic integrity. She characterized it as “nothing more than a poorly veiled attempt at attention-seeking by unknown elements trying to sow division.”
Reiterating her unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and unity of all veterans, the newly appointed Chairman appealed to the media to refrain from peddling unverified claims or misrepresenting her office for ulterior motives.
Chief Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Media & Digital Communications, further clarified her position: “For the avoidance of doubt, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry belongs to everyone, and to no one in particular. She serves all Nigerian veterans without bias or affiliation.”
Ms. Henry’s appointment marks a pivotal moment, not just for the Nigerian Legion, but for national discourse on gender equality and inclusive leadership. Her immediate focus on unity and integrity sets a clear tone for her upcoming tenure.
